As many as 67 cases of stubble burning have been reported in Jalandhar so far.
To curb stubble burning, the Agriculture Department had planned to involve medics in its awareness campaign to educate growers about the harmful health effects of burning paddy residue.
The department has collaborated with NGO Lung Care Foundation to make growers aware that stubble burning not only contributes to air pollution but can also have consequences for their health.
"Health Department officials have also been asked to counsel farmers about the health impact of stubble burning at the village dispensaries," department officers noted.
Chief Agriculture Officer Randhir Singh Thakur said this was the first time the department had collaborated with an NGO for such a move.
"We also tell farmers every year why they should not burn paddy residue. But the idea was to bring along a doctor and an expert who can explain to them that stubble burning has a negative impact on their own health as well, maybe that will help more," he said.
Over the past few years, according to the data accessible with the department, the district recorded 2,548 paddy burning cases in 2021, which slipped to 1,388 in 2022 and 1,196 in 2023. Last year, the number dropped to 157 cases in 2024 and further to 86 cases.
The Deputy Commissioner has cautioned of strict action against farmers found burning stubble in Nawanshahr as well. He also made it clear that the cluster officials and nodal officers concerned would be held accountable if any occurrence of stubble burning was reported in their zones.
The DC issued these directions during a review meeting with authorities of multiple departments to assess the steps being taken to prevent stubble burning incidents across the district. Reviewing the cases reported to date, he directed the officials to remain vigilant and intensify monitoring at the field level.
